Chapter 12, Problem 26E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The minimum number of atoms that could be contained in the unit cell of an element with a face-centered cubic lattice is to be stated.

Concept introduction: Unit cell is the smallest repeating unit of the crystal lattice. Basically crystal lattice is an arrangement of unit cell in geometrical manner. Unit cells are also known as building blocks of crystal lattice. The unit cells are divided in two categories named as, primitive and centered unit cells. The centered unit cells are further divide as,

• Body-centered unit cell (BCC).
• Face-centered unit cell (FCC).
• End-centered unit cell (ECC).

To determine: The minimum number of atoms that could be contained in the unit cell of an element with a face-centered cubic lattice.